SC: No lawyers’ names in news

In a huge setback to media in general and journalists in particular, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a special leave petition challenging the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) order asking the Registrar of Administration to immediately circulate instructions to all print, electronic and media houses not to publish the names of the lawyers appeared in any case, as part of a news item.

The High Court had also directed the Registrar (Administration) to request the print, electronic and media houses not to publish individual names of the judges unless it is so essentially required.

A Bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Prafulla C. Pant dismissed the special leave petition filed by advocate Baskar Mathuram through N. Rajaraman challenging the order in public interest.

In a brief order the Bench said “Heard the counsel for the petitioner and perused the relevant material. We do not find any legal and valid ground for interference. The SLP is dismissed.”

The High Court held that if an advocate is seeking to use the platform of High Court for purposes of gaining popularity and publicity, it would amount to an unethical practice of soliciting work on one’s part. It said that once the Code of Conduct is prescribed by the Bar Council of India it has to be always adhered to and should be followed always.